Joining a line-up of more than a dozen Beefbars around the world, each with an interior design response that’s unique to its locale, the Paris outpost of the restaurant group was assigned to Monaco-based interior design firm and long-time Beefbar collaborators Humbert & Poyet. Here, Karine Monié revisits the dazzling destination as we look ahead to a world that opens its arms to much-anticipated international travel.
A few steps back from the Champs-Elysées, the French capital’s most famous avenue, the show-stopping Beefbar Paris draws its design inspiration from the daring cuisine that is dispensed from the chic eatery’s kitchen. A refined menu which focuses on the ritual of sharing a meal combined with freshness and simplicity of ingredients.
The starting point for practice founders Emil Humbert and Christophe Poyet was the main art nouveau room. The elegant space was in a dilapidated state but registered as a historical monument since 1983. The arches, pilasters, friezes and enamelled ceramic panels of the room were the subject of painstaking restoration by talented artisans who reinstated the former glory of the exquisite features.
Designed in 1898 by architect Emile Hurtré and originally painted by Jules Wielhorski, the atrium was abandoned and walled up during World War II, hidden from the Nazis, before being rediscovered in 1983. Entirely repainted in green and bronze in reference to its past, featuring intricate vegetal and symbolist patterns, the historic room inspired the designers to create contrast between old and contemporary embellishments while also balancing sobriety and eccentricity.
In addition to the atrium, the brasserie houses a meat cellar with walnut, marble and brass features and a bar comprising leather details and sparkling mirrors sliced into slats.
Grandiose yet comforting, Beefbar Paris merges several design influences. From the art nouveau-inspired patterned carpets and emerald green tones to the stone, brass and walnut detailing of typically art deco style. All in all, a combination of scenes and spaces ready and waiting to host guests for a culinary journey that aims to break the rigid stereotypes associated with high-end cuisine. Bon appétit!